The leader of our Catholic Church is our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in the United States. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, he will guide the Church in faith and service.

Pope Leo XIV spent many years in Peru, where he worked closely with local communities. From the Vatican balcony, he warmly greeted Peruvians in Spanish and shared a message of peace:

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He chose the name Leo, meaning “lion,” connecting to earlier Pope Leo XIII, who taught about Catholic Social Teaching in 1891. This teaching reminds us to care for the poor, seek justice, and work for peace.

As pope, Leo XIV will continue this mission—partnering with leaders around the world and inspiring us all to build a kinder, more united world.